The return of Berrick Barnes gave Australia coach Robbie Deans some cheer as he surveyed a spiralling injury list following the Wallabies' 67-5 victory over the United States in their Rugby World Cup clash in Wellington.
They lost centre Rob Horne to a fractured cheekbone, number eight Wycliff Palu and fullback Kurley Beale to strained hamstrings and reserve back Pat McCabe to a dislocated shoulder, while centre Anthony Faingaa was knocked out in the final minute.
However the 25-year-old Barnes, who was forced to take a break from Super Rugby after suffering migraines from a series of head knocks, provided some light for Robbie Deans with the utility back slotting in effortlessly at first five in place of the mercurial Quade Cooper.
